Entering this season, the Parkland Matadors figured to have a much better and more consistent offense, particularly in the run game.

Last Friday night in their season opener against Irvin, the Matadors began their quest to return to the playoffs with a 27-14 victory.

Bolstered by 106 yards rushing and three touchdowns by Jacob Mendez, and 100 yards rushing and a rushing touchdown by Malik Decquir, the Matadors showed they will have a good one-two punch in the run game this year.

"We have good chemistry and we play for each other," Decquir said. "I know for myself, I am much better as a player and more consistent. I went to some camps in the fall and I know that really helped me. As a team we came into this season focused on becoming better. I came in with more confidence. Jacob is a really good running back and we just support each other and try to help each other get better."

Mendez and Decquir don't mind sharing carries and both will be on the field together, making it tough for defenses to focus on just one back.

"It was a great start to the season for us," Mendez said. "I know both of us are better than we were a season ago. I've improved in different areas and Malik has worked hard. Our offensive line works hard and did a great job in that first game."

Tonight, the Matadors aim for a 2-0 start with a visit to El Paso. The Tigers, who are 0-1 after losing to Clint last week, are led by running back Tre Wolf and Matt Teran. The two combined for 224 yards rushing in the loss.

"We just have to keep improving," Decquir said. "We take every opponent serious and we know we have to come out and execute. The first win was tremendous, but we can't stop working to get better."